C T Online Desk: Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has announced that this year’s Bengali New Year celebrations on Pahela Baishakh will feature a procession officially named ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’.
He made the announcement at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday (5 April).
Earlier, the minister held a meeting at the Secretariat to discuss celebrations of the New Year, including those observed by ethnic communities such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and others.
Addressing concerns over the procession’s name, Minister Roy Chowdhury said: “There has been debate over whether the procession should be named with words implying joy or prosperity, but such arguments are unnecessary.”
He added: “We do not want division. Through diversity, we seek unity. In this context, the government has decided that this year’s procession on Pahela Baishakh will be called ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’, and this name will be used every year henceforth.”
The minister also reassured that the name change will not affect UNESCO recognition of the celebrations.
